the unseen side of architecture

Successes and Setbacks

And so it goes, we’ve all experienced successes in projects- yay! …and yes, we’ve also experienced setbacks-boo.

Within the last week, we’ve watched a successful project launch in Mahadevtar and accomplished a significant first step in the Anaikot project.

Yet – we’ve also run into a bit of a bureaucratic roadblock before we can begin trainings or rebuilding in Aniakot.

On Monday, September 27, 2015, Yarda (Namaste Nepal Programme Manger) completed a major accomplishment by getting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Anaikot, Panchkhal Municipality Chairman (i.e. Mayor.) Getting the local Municipality in support of the project is a critical first step.

Yarda is always working…….

The MoU is an agreement that outlines terms of cooperation between Namaste Nepal and the Municipality of Panchkhal following the earthquake that struck Nepal on the 25th April, 2015 and the major aftershock on 12th May 2015. The 10 page MoU in essence includes who, what, when, where, why, and how much $?

Three days prior, the field team attended a DUDBC (local building department) meeting to learn more about what the local government will allow for trainings and reconstruction. The meeting was in Nepal, thus our very capable Nepali engineers, Subash and Pujan, had to translate the results.

The good news is that some training programs have been approved; however, we still must submit an official “proposal” before we can start our trainings – this could take months.

In addition, the DUDBC has not yet approved any housing designs (prototypes) for reconstruction, thus there is still a ban on rebuilding – another project delay that will likely set us back two months.